Question of the Day

Have you been impacted by the government shutdown?

Chatter: Tim Lemke has news on the Nationals’ radio team on our baseball blog.

TONIGHT’S BEST BET ON TV

A spot on the national stage (sort of) for the Colonial Athletic Association: George Mason plays at Drexel. 7 p.m., ESPNU

LOCAL POWER RANKINGS

1. STEVE SPAGNUOLO

A note to Spags: The Redskins are a flawed franchise in many respects, but the opportunity (only 32 such jobs) and cash (triple your current salary) makes this decision a no-brainer: Take the job if offered.

2. HALL OF FAME

Former Redskins Darrell Green and Art Monk (finally) are bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But, aside from Coach Joe and Riggo, who already are in, will that be it from the Redskins teams of the 1980s? It could be.

3. ALEX OVECHKIN

The Big O has 46 goals after scoring one last night at Philadelphia. If the Capitals’ improbable second-half run lands them in the playoffs, Ovechkin should be the hands-down league MVP winner.

4. GREGG WILLIAMS

Like Al Saunders, Double G landed on his feet quickly, hired by Jacksonville. The Jaguars will have to coat the meeting room with Crisco to fit the egos of Williams and head man Jack Del Rio in the same space.

5. CARON BUTLER

With Gilbert Arenas still out, it’s up to the dinged-up Butler to help the Wizards (who fell to .500 last night) get going. Road games vs. Denver, Phoenix, Golden State and the Clippers loom.

TWT FIVE Top NFL unrestricted free agents

1. Asante Samuel, CB, New England: One of the league’s elite cover men. The Patriots have a tough decision whether to break the bank for Samuel or WR Randy Moss (see below).

2. Jared Allen, DE, Kansas City: He led the Chiefs with 15½ sacks, and Redskins fans remember his tour de force against Chris Samuels in October 2005. Will command huge dollars.

3. Alan Faneca, OG, Pittsburgh: He has made it known the Steelers aren’t a part of his plans after not getting a new deal last summer. Look for him to get a deal that includes $10 million guaranteed.